PETERSBURG, Ill. – On Monday, July 8, nineteen youth from Menard, Logan, and Sangamon Counties gathered at the Menard County Extension Office for a unique and engaging event: 4-H Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse Disaster Preparedness Funshop. This innovative workshop focused on preparing for the unexpected through a series of interactive activities and educational sessions.

Participants learned about community disaster plans and the crucial roles youth can serve within a fire department, emergency service agency and in their homes and schools. The event also highlighted how the Health Department educates the public on disaster preparedness and the steps to take in emergency situations.

The Funshop was made possible through the collaboration of local experts including Kolbe Huss from the Menard County Emergency Management Agency, Chris Henderson and firefighters from the Petersburg Fire Department, and Janet Winkler from the Sangamon County Department of Public Health. Their expertise provided attendees with valuable insights into emergency management and community safety.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in various hands-on activities. They crafted paracord bracelets, played games designed to test their emergency management knowledge, and worked on teamwork during a simulated flood exercise. The highlight of the event was the opportunity for interested attendees to run the fire hose, aiming to take down an imaginary zombie on the streets of Petersburg.

The 4-H Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse Disaster Preparedness Funshop not only provided a fun and engaging way to learn about disaster preparedness but also emphasized the importance of being ready for the unexpected. The event successfully equipped youth with the knowledge and skills to contribute to their communities in times of need.

For more information about upcoming 4-H events and programs, please contact the Menard County Extension Office.

ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.